Altar and Rosary Society
The Altar and Rosary Society is open to all women of the parish. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. These meetings begin with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by a business meeting and a social. Special Masses and devotions are held throughout the year. The highlight of their activities is the Advent Reflection held in November. The members put in many hours throughout the year in various fundraisers and activities, such as hoagie and soup sales, flowers and wreath sales. These activities support the parish in altar and church cleaning, baptismal bibs, and baking for special events. Proceeds are donated to the parish and other local organizations.
Knights of Columbus, Saint John Vianney Council #14840
The Knights of Columbus is a worldwide catholic fraternal organization guided by the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. The Knights works to overcome the hardships that people face in their parishes and communities through charitable fundraisers and other volunteer work. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that a member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church. Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month (except July) at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. Special events are run throughout the year. For more information, please contact Joe Flok at 610.972.8400 or usstoneandstucco@gmail.com or George Calaba at 484.554.2748 or george.calaba5@gmail.com.
Prime Time Club
Open to individuals, age 50 and older, the Prime Time Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM at the Upper Saucon Fire Company on West Hopewell Road in Center Valley. Bus trips, card socials, reminiscing sessions, dancing, yoga, and bingo are all part of the activities shared by these parishioners enjoying the “prime times” of life. For more information, please contact Fred Lanshe at 610-797-6240.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Saint Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph Church assists those in our parish and in our community who are in need of material assistance. The Saint Vincent de Paul fund is supported entirely through voluntary donations. Referrals considered may be made known by those in need, as well as by their families and friends. Upon receiving a referral, every effort is made to ensure anonymity. Needs considered may relate to shelter, fuel assistance, clothing, car repair, limited mortgage/rent assistance and gift cards for food items not available at Betty Lou’s Pantry. Please contact the rectory for assistance.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is a private nonprofit social service agency operating under the auspices of the Diocese of Allentown. They offer services to meet the needs of people in our community who need support, care and compassion. Some services are outlined below:
Infants and children in need of a home
Families in need of counseling and support
Pregnant women in search of assistance
Immigrants seeking a new home
Elders in need of care and special service
Those in need who face homelessness, hunger and unemployment
Information at www.allentowndiocese.org or phone 610-435-1541
The Catholic Charities Chew Street Soup Kitchen
The Catholic Charities Chew Street Soup Kitchen is located in the basement of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 179 W. Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18102. Meals are served to the hungry 12-1 PM, Monday,
Friday, and Saturday. Sunday is devoted to distributing senior food boxes and others needing
food. Health Fairs to provide services to the community are scheduled for designated Saturdays and Sundays. St. Joseph Church provides the meal served on the third and fourth Fridays of each month.
If you would like more information or to volunteer, please contact the rectory or Peggy Patterson at ppatt6@gmail.com.
Betty Lou's Pantry
Betty Lou’s Pantry is a non-profit organization of participating churches in the Southern Lehigh area committed to gathering and distributing food products from our Lord’s bounty to our neighbors in
need. Distributions are on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 9-11am, and St. Joseph Church is responsible for providing volunteers for several of these Saturdays each year. Sign
ups for volunteering and food collections are communicated in the bulletin. For more information, contact Peggy Patterson at ppatt6@gmail.com, or visit http://www.bettylouspantry.com.
Church Housekeepers
Our church was built in 1970 but has a look of newness about it as a result of the tireless efforts of men and women volunteers who have kept the building interior spotless throughout the years. Meeting after Mass on Saturday mornings, these unsung helpers quietly go about their work for the Lord’s House. Additional anonymous and faithful helpers are always greatly appreciated. For further information, please call the church office.
Parish Nursing
Parish nurses volunteer every third weekend to check blood pressures after the Saturday evening and Sunday Masses in the children’s playroom. There are cuffs for everyone—infant, child, L & XL adults and thigh (amputees). Healthy tips are occasionally submitted in the bulletin during the year. Equipment has been funded by the Altar & Rosary Society and Knights of Columbus. Nurses and other medical persons are invited to join our mission to offer services on a regular basis. For more information, contact Patricia A. Landis, BSN, RN at 610-965-2923.